Gone Global

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A fun, interesting read and so true!

Why expanding overseas is your ticket to new markets, new ideas, and a world of adventure.

Foreign markets are like children's shoes: They offer plenty of room to grow. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, 95 percent of the world's consumers reside outside the United States. Some of those people have holes in their lives the exact size and shape of your product.

While you're there, look for a bunch of slideshows by Inc. on going global. Good stuff.

Girl, Interrupted? Try Package, Intercepted

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Ever sent a global package (think vacations ... think romance ...) that included a Dear John or Jane letter and just when you put it in the hands of UPS, wished that you could get it back because you had second thoughts? Well help is on the way. And this works great for global small business transactions too.

Is Anyone Not Looking at China?

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HP and Dell are exporting their rivalry and starting to challenge Lenovo. What about you? Are you looking at China for business opportunities?

Immigrants Gain Global Edge Doing Business at Home

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Especially for immigrant entrepreneurs building a business in the U.S. Selling back to their lands where they have cultural knowledge just feels right. Read more on how they do it here.

Handicapping the Best Countries for Global Business

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If you are an executive of a multinational looking for geographies in which to expand your markets, operations, and investments, is China more attractive than India? South Africa better than Mexico? Does Russia have more promise than the United States? The answer you devise can be crucial to your company's future.

The good news is that in today's hypercompetitive global economy, certain countries offer distinctive advantages to help your business but you need to choose wisely. Find out which are the best countries to invest in here.

Spanning the Globe in Real Time

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Global business agility relies on information flow. By using a digital dashboard, managers can track critical business metrics and "act on them" much faster.

For global corporations, business agility is not the same as speed. Anyone can move quickly, but at what financial and organizational cost? Truly agile companies are like star athletes. They move fast while maintaining a lower heart rate at higher levels of fitness and endurance. They adapt to any rhythm ... read more here.

International Business Multiculturalism and the Internet

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Lots of good stuff here.

Breaking Into The Global Marketplace

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Like many small entrepreneurs, you may think tackling global markets is better left to the corporate giants of the world.

After all, Asia might as well be Mars as far as you're concerned.

But before you write off going global, consider this:

By the year 2010, China is expected to have 149 million middle-class households, India 45 million and Brazil 18 million, according to Pearl Kamer, chief economist for the Long Island Association.

If you're not taking advantage of these potential markets, she says, you could be missing out.

Read more here but as a side note, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Jamie Herzlich on this Newsday piece.

Abridged Borderbuster: 3/5/07

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CONTENTS

If you are not a subscriber to Borderbuster, here's a glimpse of what you missed this month:

1. Welcome From The Publisher

2. Feedback from our Readers and Update to our Readers

3. Flawed Exports*

4. Business and Cultural Tips: Have Some Fun!*

5. Investing Worldwide*

6. How I Went Global: Ongoing Series // Ben Worthen

7. A Reader Asks: Q&A*

8. Everybody Loves a Freebie -- repeat: FREE OFFER*

9. French Wine and Spirits Exports to U.S. Up 22%*

10. Capital Rules: The Tensions of Global Finance*

11. Global Strength Will Boost U.S. Manufacturing*

12. Blog World: It’s Time To Go Global*

13. Laurel’s e-Book: “GODZILLA Global Marketing!”

14. Take A Walk On The Wild Side (TAWOTWS)

15. Wind Behind Your Sail*

16. Miscellany*

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

*Indicates exclusive to Borderbuster subscribers only.

Sample section:

8. EVERYBODY LOVES A FREEBIE: DOWNLOAD LEADING ACROSS CULTURES: FRANCE

Leading Across Cultures: France is part of a series of white papers focusing on leadership effectiveness in a variety of cultural settings. The authors explore the historical and cultural roots of leading effectively in France. Examples of leadership in France are contrasted with leadership in other cultures. In addition, the author concludes with a discussion of how leadership in France has changed in the context of globalization.

Download PDF file here (requires Adobe Acrobat).

###

To subscribe to Borderbuster, visit:
Sign Up For Borderbuster!

Building a Global Brand That Works Locally

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Great brands transcend geography. But to build a great global brand, you must understand the vital role that your company’s electronic "face" plays in your success, says says Marilynn Mobley, Senior Vice President of Edelman, the world’s largest PR firm, as well as a blogger. Read post.

Embrace Globalization!

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In case you missed it, The Wall Street Journal published an interesting article on Monday, February 26 entitled Global Trade Galvanizes Caterpillar. Despite the fact that you may not be the giant size of Caterpillar -- you're the car, not the truck, right? -- you can still pick up good tips from the piece.

Here are five (5) not shown in the online feature and I totally agree with each and every one of them:

5 Tips for Managing a Global Giant

1. ACT with integrity, value your people.
2. COMPLACENCY is incompatible with success.
3. STAY focused on bottom-line growth.
4. DON'T SHY away from tough debates.
5. EMBRACE GLOBALIZATION!

Read the entire article here.

Global Art

Permission to use:  Bryan Marovich (2/24/07)

My American brother-in-law, Bryan Marovich, sent the above wonderful sketch by his artist friend, Luis Christello, who happened to be hanging out with Bryan and other musically inclined friends at the Lgare Cafe (bar) in Rua da Rosa, which is in Bairro Alto, Lisboa.

The jam session players are:

Bryan -- guitar (USA and featured far right back corner)
Carlos -- charango (Portugal)
Andre -- banjo (Portugal)
Manuel -- percussion (Argentina)
Luis -- at the drawing table (Brazil)

At this moment, I bet they are making beautiful world music together.

How To Win Over India's Consumers

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A growing number of U.S. entrepreneurs are reversing the outsourcing trend and exporting their own products to India. Here’s what’s hot and how to use online resources to expand your reach into India.

Happy Chinese New Year (2/18/07)

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Happy Chinese New Year of the Boar. May all your wishes come true (translation on the Hui Chun -- left -- four-character phrase written on pieces of red paper to express traditional sentiments for a rich and bountiful spring. Its origin can be traced back to antiquity, when people believed evil could be warded off by hanging a piece of peach wood painted in red on the wall).

Learn more about the Chinese New Year here, here, here and here.

Export-Import Bank of the United States

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If you have never explored the Export-Import Bank's site, kick back, relax and do it now. They have everything from conference news (click on What's New) to small business export financing help to key market guides. It's worth a visit.

Global Strength Will Boost U.S. Manufacturing

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For many years U.S. manufacturers have been hit by weakness in export markets and the strong dollar. As a result, the trade deficit in goods has surged. But this trend is about to turn, and the export sector will be a source of strength for the manufacturing economy in the years ahead. This is good news not only for the U.S. economy, but also could help stem the rising tide of protectionism.

Go guys. Go gals. Go global!

50 Ways To Go Global

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How do you go global? Let me count the ways. Here are fifty that will help get you started.

1. The Federation of International Trade Associations (FITA)
2. globalEDGE
3. GlobeTrade.com
4. International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce
5. Kompass
6. MyExports
7. U.S. Small Business Administration
8. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
9. PIERS
10. Stat-USA / Internet
11. The U.S. Commercial Service / BuyUSA
12. The U.S. Government Export Portal
13. Laurel Delaney Company
14. Global Trade Atlas
15. Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation: Eleven Pitfalls to Avoid in Going Global
16. Borderbuster
17. Women Entrepreneurs, Inc.: Build a Website to Go Global
18. The World Bank
19. MarketingProfs Daily Fix: Building a Global Brand
20. Entrepreneur Magazine: Global Village archives
21. LeaderValues
22. UPS
23. National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc.
24. IOMA Managing Imports and Exports
25. Yale University Library: Emerging Markets Subject Guide
26. The International Chamber of Commerce
27. ICC Business Bookstore USA
28. United States Council for International Business
29. American Association of Exporters and Importers
30. World Trade Centers Association
31. National Council on International Trade Development
32. UPS Global Advisor
33. National Association of Exporting Companies
34. Small Business Edge: A Checklist for Preparing Your Package To Go Global
35. Borderbuster on Squidoo
36. The International Trade Association of Greater Chicago
37. Thunderbird School of Global Management
38. Harvard Business School: Global Initiative
39. Harvard Business Online: Global
40. E-Commerce News: How To Take Your Business Global
41. StartupNation: Taking Your Startup to a Foreign Market
42. Business Strategies Magazine: Go Global or Die
43. Priority Magazine: Going Global
44. The Global Small Business Blog: 20 Books To Get You Global in 2007
45. ChangeThis: Global Guru, Shaking Things Up, Making Things Happen
46. Global E-Newsletter: Borderbuster
47. The World Bank Group: Doing Business
48. U.S. Census Bureau: Foreign Trade Statistics
49. Beyster Institute
50. Love Goes Global

###

Copyright ©2007 Laurel J. Delaney. All rights reserved.

Your Hired, But Global Business Experience Preferred

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As global information and communications technology (ICT) companies recognize that success in developing countries is essential to remain competitive, smart entrepreneurs -- like you -- around the world should be grinning with anticipation of the transformation ahead. And creative ICT professionals should consider spicing up their resumes with their emerging-market experiences.

Read more, here.  Or, try here.  Note:  Some links may not work due to companies going out of business or changing their servers.

Are You No. 1 Globally?

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In a bid to be No. 1 globally, Japan's top retailer opens a flagship Uniqlo store in Manhattan.

The unveiling of Uniqlo's new global flagship store was audacious, even to the jaded habitués of Manhattan's SoHo. At 36,000 square feet, it's the area's second-largest retail showroom after Bloomingdale's, dominating a block packed with rivals like H&M and Banana Republic.

The cool Japanese retailer tried to build buzz by blanketing the city with ads featuring offbeat celebrities like Sonic Youth guitarist Kim Gordon (pictured). It worked: Holiday crowds flocked to the slick emporium that seemed to have popped out of nowhere.

What are you doing to create global buzz?

No More Steps!

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For years, visitors to China have delighted in the unusual English translations that appear on the nation's signs. Now, through blogging, tourists and expatriates have been posting photographs reflecting these gaffes. One person wrote the following on his blog: This is about passion, not mockery.

Go here to check out where the English dictionary meets Chinese grammar.

Strategic Global Sourcing: Hitting A Moving Target

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When sourcing from Asia and the Pacific, manufacturers need to constantly keep on top of who does what well.

Imagine going to your favorite restaurant and finding out that there's a new chef in town and the dish you made a special trip for now tastes like wallpaper paste.

"Global sourcing dynamics are also always changing and a good source today may not be so good six months from now," observes Christopher W. Runckel, founder of Runckel & Associates, a Portland, Ore.-based consulting company that helps businesses expand in Asia.

Read more here to learn about tips on finding a good sourcing partner.

Is The World Your Market?

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In the interconnected world of the 21st century, the globalization of commerce is a reality. From shoes to conveyor belts, computer chips to automobiles, countries around the world annually exchange more than $9 trillion of merchandise, according to the World Trade Organization. Global trade has become an economic necessity for the developed countries of the world. Find out how a property corporation is leveraging globalization and why you can too. Look at it like a mini case study.

Note: The link may not work due to being removed, a name change, or merely temporarily unavailable.

Global CEOs Business Confidence ...

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... reaches record levels thanks to globalization. Read more here and find out which countries are poised for the most growth.

Love Goes Global

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It's never too early to be thinking about how to go global and what can go global!

Borderless manufacturing

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And it starts in Hong Kong, the center of the world.

Global Transportation

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If you are charged with evaluating transportation security decisions or are interested in learning how improved security processes can create value across all the business functions throughout an entire value chain, then read this book.  The authors also look ahead on future developments and best practices for the future.

Global Sourcing Checklist

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If you are considering sourcing a product overseas, this is a good article to read. It covers ten tips to help you get started. You'll have the whole world in your hands.

Doing Business in Dubai

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I am really excited over the opportunity to speak March 8 at the WOIBEX: 9th Global Businesswomen and Leader's Forum in Dubai. Before I make my way there, I am learning as much as I can about this great city -- where there is a lot of ground-breaking work taking place.

And while researching, who do I see blogging about his recent trip to Dubai and other fabulous places the world has to offer? The master of global management, Tom Peters. Check it out. You'll learn what works, what doesn't work, or hold up for that matter, on international travels.

Links sometimes don't work.  Try this one if the one above is broken.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

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I Have A Dream.

International Business Travel Tips

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Global small business owners know face-to-face meetings with international customers help cement quality business relationships -- and the practical aspects of international business travel can make or break a trip.

You can start planning your overseas trip from home on the Internet -- and the sooner the better.

Read more:  International Business Travel Tips

BIG Businesses in Denmark Just Got Busted By The Little Guys!

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Read the clip here.

Voxted said that the study should prompt politicians to focus on smaller business's competitive power, instead of writing them off as a part of the Danish business structure under development.'The study shows the relationship to be just the opposite,' said Voxted.

Visit the school where the study was conducted.

Unfortunately, I cannot seem to find the study in English but if you do, please pass it along because whatever is going on in Denmark applies to the United States too.

Global Entrepreneurship Monitor

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Start-ups fell in Ireland, Europe and US in 2006 but China powers on.

Entrepreneurial behavior continues to fuel the engine of innovation and growth around the world; and middle income countries boast higher levels of start-up entrepreneurial activity according to the eighth annual Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM).

Irish and US desire for starting businesses waned last year but the emerging economies of Asia and South America showed a rise in entrepreneurial activity, according to the report.

5 Ways to Find New (or Hidden) Global Markets

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In 2007, what is your global strategy? Your answer is a decision that reflects an analysis of market potential, company capabilities, and the degree of marketing involvement and commitment your management team is prepared to make ...

Meme (Global) Madness

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We have been "tagged" and never one to let anyone down, here's our response:

1. What have you learned so far from visitors to your blog?

We all want to make a difference in our brave new world. When I created The Global Small Business Blog in 2004, I wanted to fearlessly make a mark with helping entrepreneurs and small business go global. Since then, we are turning the world upside down, not flattening it, with our constant offering of practical information and knowledge to help you go global.

Borderbuster readers weigh-in only when a post resonates with them and many of them prefer to email me personally rather than post on our blog. They enjoy a private conversation versus chatting with the world. And that’s okay because we absolutely love hearing from global enthusiasts because they tell us what really matters. Plus, they make our world go round.

2. If someone would offer to pay for a course (or more) for you, what would that course be?

First, here's what we do. We offer management consulting and marketing solutions designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses go global.

So the course we offer preps you to take on the world. It typically involves the founder or President of a U.S. $1 to 10 million manufacturing firm who is stuck on how to generate additional revenue growth for his/her company without spending a lot of money. We help people get unstuck, focused and ready to conduct business all over the planet. We assist you in all aspects of running a global business -- from finding customers to keeping them, from shipping products to getting paid, from learning about a different culture to becoming a true global netizen. We share our passion for what's possible. To learn more about what takes place, email (see right sidebar) or call 773-381-1700. We’re not shy about promoting what we do because we feel being bold is beautiful and should be borderless! Sounds like a good mantra for 2007:

Be bold! Be beautiful! Be borderless!

3. Are you satisfied with what you've achieved in 2006, in general?

No way! Life is an endless stream of continuous improvements and you have to have the discipline to pursue everything. We have much to accomplish in 2007 from writing another book to redesigning our logo for GlobeTrade.com to redesigning The Global Small Business Blog (with plans to include five key global companies to receive our seal of approval for helping entrepreneurs and small businesses go global). All with the intention of doing a better job to satisfy or exceed expectations for our clients.

Oh, and did I mention that we will create YouTube and SecondLife videos on how to bust-a-border in less than a minute? Watch for them!

4. Has blogging changed your life or your personality in any way?

Yes – blogging makes me work smarter at being a better person (and here I thought being married did that!) and ever-more committed to bringing the best possible knowledge on global business to Borderbuster readers.

5. If you had the opportunity to meet one person that you admire the most in the world, who would that person be?

That is a really tough question because if you leave out the words “to meet” and substitute “to chat with” it would be my Mom, Dad or husband. They have always been -- and continue to be -- intelligent, thoughtful and good sounding boards.

In addition to those three, it would be Sandra Day O’Connor or Alan Greenspan. Both are leading authorities in their respective fields and smart as whips. But I suppose if I had to choose, it would be Sandra. There’s something about Sandra that reminds me of my Mom … and that can only be a good thing.

And now I will tag five people to answer these same questions on their blog: Marsha Firestone at WPO, Ann Handley at MarketingProfs, Seth Godin, Tom Peters, and Bob Marovich.

Abridged Borderbuster: 1/5/07

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CONTENTS

If you are not a subscriber to Borderbuster, here's a glimpse of what you missed this month:

1. Welcome From The Publisher

2. Special Note To Our Readers

3. Taking Kim’s Toys Away*

4. Business and Cultural Tips: Have Some Fun!*

5. Unblocking Trade*

6. How I Went Global: Ongoing Series // MasterCard

7. A Reader Asks: Q&A*

8. Everybody Loves a Freebie -- repeat: FREE OFFER*

9. Discover Goes to China*

10. Broken Bridges*

11. International Expansion*

12. Blog World: Christmas Trees & More*

13. Laurel’s e-Book: “GODZILLA Global Marketing!”

14. Take A Walk On The Wild Side (TAWOTWS)

15. Wind Behind Your Sail*

16. Miscellany*

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

*Indicates exclusive to Borderbuster subscribers only.

Sample section:

5. BROKEN BRIDGES

*Subscriber Exclusive*

Do entrepreneurs really benefit from freer trade?

To read the article, visit: Entrepreneur.com

(Remember, inaction is the worst kind of failure.)

###

To subscribe to Borderbuster, visit:
Sign Up For Borderbuster!

We (Suddenly) Live In a Truly Global World

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As the article states, global trade is not new. Read more here.

And may you bust many borders in 2007!

2006 Irish America Magazine Business 100: News Release!

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Here is the press release.

A bit of shameless self-promotion but I'm so proud of my Irish heritage that I must toot my blogger horn loud and clear! I've been named to the 2006 Irish America Magazine Business 100. The distinction celebrates the entrepreneurial and business success of Irish-Americans.

What makes me even more proud about this honor is that I am one of just 10 women to be named to the list of 100 this year ... joining the ranks of a distinguished and diverse membership roster that includes Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, Conan O’Brien, and Bono. How cool or lucky is that?!

Other 2006 honorees include James McCann, founder of 1-800-flowers.com; Alan Lafley, chairman, president and CEO of Proctor & Gamble; and Anne Mulcahy, chairman of the board and CEO of Xerox Corporation

Wisconsin Hosts Global Tournament

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Looks like an interesting program:  Milwaukee to Host Global Tournament For Jewish Youth.

Happy Holidays Around The World!

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Wishing you a joyous Holiday Season and a happy and healthy 2007!

20 Books To Get You Global in 2007

©2006 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

1. Start & Run a Profitable Exporting Business
2. The World is Flat
3. The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid
4. The Next Global Stage
5. The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy
6. The Box: How The Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger
7. Insanely Global!
8. GODZILLA Global Marketing
9. The 86 Percent Solution: How To Succeed in the Biggest Market Opportunity of the Next 50 Years
10. The Global Competitiveness Report 2006-2007
11. Building an Import/Export Business
12. Export/Import Procedures and Documentation
13. Import/Export: How to Get Started in International Trade
14. Kiss, Bow, or Shade Hands
15. Do’s and Taboos Around the World
16. How Small Business Trades Worldwide
17. The Borderless World
18. Going Global: Four Entrepreneurs Map the New World Marketplace (by the founders of Fast Company magazine):
19. The New Argonauts: Regional Advantage in a Global Economy
20. Entrepreneur Magazine’s Global Village Archive

Art Collecting Is Going Global

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From India to China to Russia ... collecting art is going global, and prices have room to run. Read the article here.

Martha Stewart Going, Going, Global!

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The lifestyle and media company, founded by Martha Stewart, built on tips for cooking and decorating is looking at expanding food products, retail and its magazines overseas.

Read all about it here.

2006 Irish America Magazine Business 100

iStock/Thinkstock

A bit of shameless self-promotion but I'm so proud of my Irish heritage that I must toot my blogger horn loud and clear! I've been named to the 2006 Irish America Magazine Business 100. The distinction celebrates the entrepreneurial and business success of Irish-Americans.

What makes me even more proud about this honor is that I am one of just 10 women to be named to the list of 100 this year ... joining the ranks of a distinguished and diverse membership roster that includes Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, Conan O’Brien, and Bono. How cool or lucky is that?!

Other 2006 honorees include James McCann, founder of 1-800-flowers.com; Alan Lafley, chairman, president and CEO of Proctor & Gamble; and Anne Mulcahy, chairman of the board and CEO of Xerox Corporation

More official news to follow.

Global Entrepreneurs Create Domestic and Foreign Jobs

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If there's ever a book to read in 2007, it's this one: The New Argonauts: Regional Advantage in a Global Economy

From Publisher's Weekly: Argonauts, Saxenian's mythic term for global commuters employed in the high tech sector, are not the ominous invaders American economic isolationists fear-stealing jobs and ideas from Americans and spiriting them abroad. Rather, Saxenian argues, such global entrepreneurs have created domestic and foreign jobs and reduced the cost of technology for businesses and consumers.

Saxenian is at her best when describing the relatively short history of the international entrepreneur-commuter: the Argonauts, though equipped with Ph.D.s from American universities, hit ethnicity-based glass ceilings in the States and chose entrepreneurship over floundering in middle-management.

Bright, young, foreign-born entrepreneurs formed technology companies (with the help of western venture capital and management theory) in their home countries and succeeded where traditional development initiatives failed. However, when Saxenian projects the implications of Argonaut activity or their future, she sounds prematurely optimistic; some readers may have a hard time envisioning, as Saxenian does, widespread future interglobal cooperation aimed at solving humanity's problems. [Laurel here ... I don't.]

Abridged Borderbuster: 12/5/06

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CONTENTS

If you are not a subscriber to Borderbuster, here's a glimpse of what you missed this month:

1. Welcome From The Publisher
2. Feedback From Our Readers
3. Secrets, Lies, and Sweatshops*
4. Business and Cultural Tips: Have Some Fun!*
5. Oh, Canada!*
6. How I Went Global: Ongoing Series // National Defense
7. A Reader Asks: Q&A*
8. Everybody Loves a Freebie -- repeat: FREE OFFER*
9. Unique Gifts From Small Businesses*
10. A Danger in China?*
11. Language Barriers*
12. Blog World: Metroblogging*
13. Laurel’s e-Book: “GODZILLA Global Marketing!”
14. Take A Walk On The Wild Side (TAWOTWS)
15. Wind Behind Your Sail*
16. Miscellany*
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

*Indicates exclusive to Borderbuster subscribers only.

Sample section:

5. OH, CANADA!
*Subscriber Exclusive*

Want to jump into the international market? Meet our friendly neighbor to the north.

To read the article, visit: Entrepreneur.com

(Remember, inaction is the worst kind of failure.)

###

To subscribe to Borderbuster, visit:
Sign Up For Borderbuster!

Global Goliath Terrorizes A Small Business

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"It would appear that any tiny threat to LVMH's $13 billion in global sales in the first three quarters of 2006 and their 60,000 employees worldwide is more important to defeat than dealing with sweatshop labor it probably employs from factory workers around the globe."

WOW. Powerful statement. Read more about how a Global Goliath attempts to terrorize a small business ... here.

And here at Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A Tiny Firm Wins 'Chewy Vuiton' Suit.

Note: Due to server upgrades, some of the links may no longer work.

Liquid Borders?

Wavebreak Media/Thinkstock

Shipping goods from one country to another has always been a paper-intensive process. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, every container that crosses international borders generates 30 different documents. That adds up to roughly five billion documents a year.

But the EU, in partnership with IBM and the Free University of Amsterdam, plans to do away with all that paper, and instead have imported goods counted, monitored and evaluated for tax automatically, without producing a single sheet.

Sound unbelievable? Read more here (immediate download of PDF file): A pilot between the EU and IBM could introduce paperless shipping.

Flags of the World

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And comments about them.  Comments here.  Wake up world. Thanks Seth for the tip.

Going Global

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When Ogilvy Interactive set out to take IBM Corp.'s e-mail marketing strategy international, it knew it would need to make some adjustments to both messaging and design. It also would need to check in with local ISPs, which can impede delivery rates.

"Deliverability [as a concept] is fairly new to Europe and Asia-Pacific," said Eric Wheeler, CEO-North America of NEO@Ogilvy Interactive, the digital media unit of agency Ogilvy Interactive. "Marketers going into these places need to understand where they are, how to integrate into that region and what kind of technology they need."

Read the balance of the article here.

Is Your Firm Setup Like An Import-Export Business?

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It should be.

An excerpt from the article:

According to Polk, it is critical for companies today to develop a world-class "tri-lingual organization" fluent in the "languages" of the consumer, the customer and the company. "What you are doing is translating your agenda into the language of the person who has to execute it," namely the retailer who sells the product. He likes to think of Unilever as an "import-export business," with some good product ideas hatched in Europe or elsewhere and then exported to the United States, or vice-versa. Axe body wash, for one, was a hit in Europe well before Unilever brought it to the U.S. market.

Read the article here: It's All About Dislocating Ideas